Your Job Search – Give Up – Or Toughen Up?

Jan 14th, 2009 | By Bill | Category: Employment News, Interviewing



The unemployment rate keeps rising with significant layoffs projected for 2009. Consumer confidence is in the tank. Retail sales numbers this holiday season were terrible.

Ominous news seems to be everywhere.

So….is throwing in the towel your only option? Is everything hopeless?

Are you going to give up – or toughen up?

First things first: do not allow yourself to become even more pessimistic than you may already be by letting poorly written news reports about projections that don’t mean much to unduly sway you.

For example…a report currently on the wires included this pronouncement from an economic advisory firm which shall remain nameless:

Even with quick action by Washington (in the form of a stimulus), we cannot expect a “sharp rebound” in job creation any time soon.

The same article cited Fed forecasters who are saying “the unemployment rate is likely to rise significantly into 2010.”

Neither of these points are news.

Nor do they indicate that something catastrophic has suddenly occurred which is now going to extend the soft job market exponentially – even though the tone of the piece might lead you to believe that this is a “breaking story.”

This is going to be a long and deep recession. You already know that.

Employment is a lagging indicator. Again, not a newsflash. It’ll take 12 to 18 months after the economy begins to improve for the jobs picture to catch up and brighten.

Do the math. Of course the unemployment rate is going to continue to rise into 2010.

This is not a shocking revelation.

Media outlets are looking to peddle news and analysts need something to talk about – there are plenty of real headlines to worry about without these folks conjuring up the “dire warning du jour.”

So – understanding that a lot of people have a vested interest in ginning up information that isn’t new – what are you going to do about the fact that times are tough? Are you going to give up, or toughen up?

Hoping for a brighter day isn’t going to make the sun come any sooner.

Amidst the dour economic climate and grim headlines, there are opportunities. There always are. As dismal as things may seem, business isn’t screeching to a complete halt.

It’s true, some companies will fail. Some will limp through the recession but they’ll never be the same.

Others, though, will figure out how to adapt. Some will recognize and seize opportunities…and they’ll come out on the other side having gained market share. Entrepreneurs will step out and launch new ventures.

You, too, can figure out how to adapt. You can remarket yourself. You can find opportunity amidst the chaos.

It’s not hopeless. Are you up to the challenge?

Rebecca Metschke is the author of The Interview Edge, a comprehensive career guide for those who are serious about their careers. Gain a professional advantage using proven tips, tools and strategies that will help ensure you’re as marketable as you can be. http://www.TheInterviewEdge.com

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